8 Ways You Can Help With Snow Removal
Posted 2:15 p.m.
Road snow removal is led by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
But what about sidewalks and other areas around your home or business?
The state and the county do not clear snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks and trails). While not legally obligated, residents and businesses are asked to help keep sidewalks safe (homeowner associations may require members of their communities to clear walkways near their property). You should, as soon as possible, clear snow off the sidewalks in front of your property so that all pedestrians, especially school children, people with disabilities and the elderly, may walk securely as conditions improve.
Eight ways you can help:
1. Start a neighborhood team to help shovel snow for elderly and those unable to shovel. And please be aware of the risks for people with heart conditions.
2. Residents and businesses should ensure all accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities are cleared of snow and ice.
3. Don’t put trash cans and recycling bins out until after the plows have come.
4. If possible, remove parked cars from the road. Navigating around objects severely hampers a plow or heavy equipment driver’s ability to clear the roads and costs valuable time.
5. Clear snow away from fire hydrants in your neighborhood. Ask neighbors to adopt a fire hydrant and clear snow and ice away from all hydrants so that they are easily visible in the event of a fire.
6. Shovel snow into the yard instead of into the street to minimize the problem of the snowplow covering your driveway with snow after you’ve just shoveled it.
7. Keep the openings of storm drains clear of snow and debris to help alleviate potential flooding and to protect the environment. (At no time, however, should a resident attempt to enter a storm drain to remove debris.)
8. Volunteer to use or lend equipment such as small snow blowers for a community removal effort.
Have a Heart Condition? Please Be Careful With Snow Removal
Posted 9:55 a.m.
We can’t stress the following information enough because the snow that’s expected to fall will be very heavy and wet. In addition to the weight of the snow, cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.
While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, many heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. If you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away.
If you have family members or neighbors with heart conditions, remind them of this information; try to find someone to help remove the snow.
Track VDOT Snow Plowing Efforts
Posted 9:09 a.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation handles snow removal on most roads in Fairfax County. If you’re wondering about the status of plowing on major and secondary roads, check out VDOT’s new snow plowing map.
Learn how it works in this video:
Major routes are treated with chemicals and plowed once two inches have fallen. In subdivisions and other low volume roads hills and other trouble spots are treated with sand and plowed when two inches have accumulated.
In Northern Virginia, VDOT has one snow removal program for high volume roads such has Interstates 66, 95, 395, 495, Routes 1, 7, 15, 28, 50, Fairfax County Parkway, etc.), and another snow removal program for subdivisions (main thoroughfares in neighborhoods, residential streets and cul de sacs). Therefore, crews will be working on high volume roads and in subdivisions concurrently. Within each of these programs, roads with the highest traffic volumes are cleared first.
VDOT reminds motorists to use caution when driving during wintry weather. Drivers should:
• Check current weather, road conditions and traffic before traveling at www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road
Be Ready For Power Outages
Posted 7:27 a.m.
The forecast calls for heavy snow and wind, which may impact power lines and cause outages. Here is what you can do to be prepared:
- Save important phone numbers to your phone or write them down, especially your power company.
- Make sure you have a battery powered radio. We will work with radio media.
- View tips from Dominion Virginia Power and NOVEC
- Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; also on your mobile device.
- NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711.
- Stay away from downed wires as they may be live with electricity. Call 9-1-1 or police non-emergency number 703-691-2131, TTY 711, if you see downed lines.
- Do not use candles as they may pose a fire threat.
- Be sure to operate generators safely.
If you lose power, turn off major appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters and stoves. Unplug other appliances such as TVs, stereos, microwaves and computers. This will prevent damage to appliances and possible overloads when power is restored.
An electrical power outage will affect the safe storage of refrigerated and frozen foods. Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk and eggs that are not stored properly refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed. In order to protect these foods from spoilage and save them for your use during the emergency, follow these guidelines.
Take the Emergency Information Survey
Have you taken our emergency information survey yet? We want your input!
As part of our review of the June 29 derecho storm, we’re asking for your help in completing a short survey. The survey focuses on a few key areas:
- Tools (such as CEAN) that you use to access emergency information.
- Non-government resources (such as media) you access for emergency information.
- County response to the June 29 derecho storm.
- Ways to improve information delivery, especially during power outages.
- Personal preparedness.
- And if you own a business, we have a set of questions for you.
Here’s the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fairfaxemergencyinfo
Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to complete this important survey so we can learn from you and adapt our response for future incidents.
Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Provide Feedback Through Emergency Information Survey
The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is asking for feedback from county residents and businesses to help assess the county’s response to the June 29 derecho storm that affected the county and the National Capital Region. To find out about the county’s strengths as well as opportunity areas for improvement, we are asking you to fill out an online emergency information survey. It should only take a few minutes.
This survey is part of the official review of the storm response and input from residents and businesses will be invaluable. It will be used for OEM’s after-action report on the derecho event and how Fairfax County Government responded.
Emergency communications are critical before, during and after incidents that affect our community. A variety of entities and people are part of that process such as Fairfax County Government, utility companies, the commonwealth of Virginia, the private sector and others. This survey focuses on Fairfax County Government.
“We’re asking for every resident to provide input, as well as business owners,” said David McKernan, coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. “It’s important for us as emergency planners to learn how this storm affected our residents, businesses and infrastructure so that we can implement corrective measures and plans for a better response for future storms.”
To take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fairfaxemergencyinfo.
June 29 Storm Report
What a storm.
What we experienced on June 29 was not a common occurrence in Fairfax County, according to an analysis from the National Weather Service.
This storm tested all of us. You as individuals in your homes, many without power. Businesses. Utility companies. Nonprofits. Faith communities. And yes, us, the government.
At today’s Board of Supervisors meeting, County Executive Ed Long presented a report about the storm, county government’s response, issues with 9-1-1 and many more details about what we do behind the scenes that does not often get highlighted on our blog posts during storm response.
We invite you to review the report. Are there gaps and issues that need to be addressed? Yes, there are always ways to improve emergency response and our Office of Emergency Management will lead a formal after action report for the whole government.
So what can you do? What kind of family or business “report” should you consider? What steps can you take for the next time?
Prepare.
As many of you experienced the unfortunate combination of no power and a major heat wave, we as one community need to take steps to ensure we’re ready for the next storm, flood, terrorism act or whatever may come next.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Are you going to the grocery store this week? Pick up some extra water for your family. Stock up on batteries. Get some other basic supplies so you are ready.
- Learn some key digital preparedness tips. Many of us learned how dependent we are on communications during this storm when it was difficult to access the Internet and other tools. Get prepared digitally.
- Please make plans for the most vulnerable in your family or neighborhood. If there are special medical or social needs, register with us so we can contact you directly after an incident.
- Please make plans for your pets. Try to think of places they can go, supplies they need and more. Pets are such an important part of many of our lives, but they need plans, too.
There are many other ways to prepare and be ready for the next incident. We need you to be ready because we the government at any level (local, state or federal) may not be able to respond and help right away. The general idea is to be self sufficient for 72 hours. Check out these resources to help plan:
Emergency Operations Center Remains Activated
Posted 9:15 a.m.
Our emergency operations center remains activated this morning as we continue to monitor and help those affected by Friday’s storm. Virginia Dominion Power reports that less than 1 percent of its serviced homes in Fairfax County remain without power. We continue to coordinate with Dominion Virginia Power and receive the latest updates (view outage map).
It’s going to be very hot again today. Please follow these safety tips to stay hydrated and indoors if possible.
Storm Response Update
Posted 12:35 p.m.
Our emergency operations center is active again this afternoon into tonight. Today’s EOC commander, Roy Shrout, provides a status update on the storm response, including 16,375 Dominion Virginia Power and 8 NOVEC customers without power.
Storm Aftermath Update: Tuesday Afternoon
Posted 7 p.m.
A state of emergency remains in effect for Fairfax County and Virginia as a result of the severe storms that impacted our area Friday night.
Here’s what you need to know:
July 4
- Most Fairfax County government facilities will be closed Wednesday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Holiday schedule listing.
- July 4 resource numbers.
- Extended Hours for RECenters
- View the latest list of closures and delays.
9-1-1 and Non-Emergency Numbers
- Verizon 9-1-1 service has been restored to Fairfax County. Residents no longer need to call alternate numbers. For non-emergencies call 703-691-2131.
- 9-1-1 Call Center Director Explains Telecommunications Outage
Power
- In Fairfax County, 32,249 Dominion customers and 47 NOVEC customers are without power as of 5 p.m. today
- Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; view outage map
- NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711; view outage reports
- Stay away from downed wiresas they may be live with electricity.
- Do not use candles as they may pose a fire threat.
- Be sure to operate generators safely.
Roads
- A number of roads (PDF) are still impacted by damage from the storm. The list is updated as information becomes available.
- Treat intersections with traffic lights that are out or flashing as four-way stops; the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Traffic rules during power outages.
- For the latest info, call VDOT at 511 or 1-800-FOR-ROAD.
Tree and Debris Removal
- Both the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Solid Waste Complexes are open for special July 4 hours.
- The storm may have left a trail of debris on your property. Here’s some information about debris removal to help you get rid of those materials.
- Many may also have downed trees in and around their yards. Find out more about tree removal and who to contact if you need help.
- Also, remember to protect yourself during cleanup.
Water
- There are no water restrictions in place.
July 4 Resource Numbers
Posted 5:30 p.m.
Most county government facilities will be closed tomorrow for the July 4th holiday. Here is a roundup of resources numbers that you can call.
- Information and Referral Line: 571-350-1173 – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (available July 4 only).
- Dominion Virginia Power for outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
- NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500.
- 9-1-1 for emergencies only. For non-emergencies call 703-691-2131.
- Parks – 703-324-8661 (includes RECenters, nature centers, historic sites).
- National Weather Service forecast: 703-652-1210.
View the latest list of closures and delays.
July 4 Extended Hours for Fairfax County RECenters
Posted 3:05 p.m.
Because most county government facilities will be closed tomorrow for the July 4th holiday, county officials are opening every RECenter—except one—with extended hours, so residents can beat the heat, shower, and recharge their cellphones, medical devices and other electronic devices.
Except for the George Washington center, every RECenter will be open on Wednesday until 6 p.m. The fees for using showers also have been waived, but you must bring your own towels and toiletries. RECenters will open at their regularly scheduled time.
There are also two community centers open in Reston where residents can beat the heat:
- Reston Community Center Hunters Woods – Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Reston Community Center Lake Anne – Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
Visit this list for the most up-to-date list of county facilities that are closed.
9-1-1 Call Center Director Explains Telecommunications Outage
Posted 2:10 p.m.
Steve Souder, director of the Department of Public Safety Communications, discusses the telecommunications outages that affected the 9-1-1 Call Center after the recent storm.
Update: Roads Impacted by Storm Damage
Posted 12:22 p.m.
A number of roads (PDF) are still impacted by damage from the storm. The list will be updated as information becomes available.
Drivers are reminded to obey four-way stop rules at intersections without power.
- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
View and Submit Storm Photos
Posted 10:26 a.m.
Photos and video from a news conference with Gov. Bob McDonnell and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova discussing the aftermath of the serious storms that struck our area on Friday, June 29, are at:
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairfaxcounty/sets/72157630403208388/
Video: http://youtu.be/9_iiGQmHJl8
We’ve created a Flickr group for you to share your June 29, storm photos to help us show what the storm did to our county. Please submit photos to:
Stay Informed
